Homicide; location undetermined

Update on 8/18/16:

Anchorage Police are asking anyone with information related to the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Elijah Zeller to provide that information anonymously through Anchorage Crime Stoppers. Tips can be submitted online through www.anchoragecrimestoppers.com or by calling an anonymous call taker at 561-STOP.

“We know that sometimes people are scared to provide information, especially when they might be fearful,” said Case Detective James Trull. “Fortunately, we have a system in place where someone can potentially help us solve a murder case and remain completely anonymous throughout the investigation. We cannot successfully solve these cases and get violent criminals off our streets without the help of our community.”  

The homicide investigation is ongoing, and police are still working to determine the set of circumstances leading to the shooting that ultimately took the life of Zeller. Police became aware of Zeller's injuries when he was dropped off at a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased on July 30, 2016.

Meanwhile, police found evidence of a shooting that had taken place outside near a large party that had occurred at a residence near the 5000 block of Cape Seville Drive that same morning. It is possible there were other shootings that occurred elsewhere in Anchorage following the shooting event on Cape Seville Drive. Police were also told more than 100 people had attended the party. Anyone who attended the party is asked to contact police (please ask to speak with homicide detectives or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers). Tips can be submitted online through www.anchoragecrimestoppers.com or by calling an anonymous call taker at 561-STOP.

Update on 8/3/16:

Anchorage police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting that took the life of 18-year-old Elijah Zeller on early Saturday morning. Police have not been able to confirm the exact location of where Zeller was when he was shot. Police became aware of Zeller's injuries when he was dropped off at a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. 

Meanwhile, police are aware of a massive party that occurred at a residence early Saturday morning on July 30, 2016, at a home located on the 5000 block of Cape Seville Drive where shots were fired nearby.

Around 1:30 a.m. police received a noise disturbance call referencing a large party at a home in this area. Just after 2:00 a.m. police received an additional call referencing someone hearing shots fired in the same area. As officers were headed to the scene, the caller reported multiple vehicles were leaving the residence where the party had taken place. Officers did find shell casings in the area but no immediate victims or property damage. Officers were able to speak with a couple of people who attended the party and they reported to police that at least more than 100 people were there.

Police have not received any additional information from the public on this shooting event on Cape Seville and are asking anyone with any information to contact APD at 786-8900. To provide an anonymous crime tip, please contact Anchorage Crime Stoppers at 561-STOP or go online at www.anchoragecrimestoppers.com

Update on 7/30/16:

Update at 2:20 pm Police have positively identified the victim as 18-year-old Elijah Zeller. His next of kin have been notified. The investigation is ongoing, and no suspect(s) are in custody. Anyone with any additional information on Elijah's whereabouts and activities last night is asked to contact APD at 786-8900.

Original on 7/30/16:

Just after 2:00 a.m. this morning police were notified that a male was dropped off at a local hospital with a gunshot wound. The male was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Police are working to positively identify the victim through fingerprints, and once positive identification is made, the next of kin will be notified. Police will not publicly identify the victim until next of kin have been notified.

This investigation is in its very early stages and additional information will be provided as facts are confirmed in the case. Anyone with any information that might be helpful to the investigation is encouraged to contact police at 907-786-8900 and press 0 to speak with dispatch. To provide an anonymous crime tip, please contact Anchorage Crime Stoppers at 561-STOP or go online to www.anchoragecrimestoppers.com

 APD Case 16-31948